Five cubs who could roar for Lions
WITH several first-choice men missing, the Golden Lions have had to rely on several youngsters to help them through this year’s Currie Cup. Here, ahead of this weekend’s semi-final against Western Province at Newlands, rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen highlights the five rookies who’ve impressed him and believes can play a part in Super Rugby next season
The former Bulls man joined the Johannesburg-based team at the start of this season but was unable to break into the Super Rugby squad, having to stand behind Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira and Lourens Erasmus in the lock queue, but 2018 could be his year. Orie, 24, has become a key member of the Currie Cup squad this season, playing a leadership role among the forwards and has, according to his coach Swys de Bruin, been instrumental in the Lions performing so well at lineout time.
What a pity the former Jeppe scholar hasn’t started more regularly this season. A real star in the making he has been used mainly as an impact player from off the bench, with De Bruin opting to cast his net wide. Twenty-year-old Dayimani though is a real rough diamond; a player with skills, strength, speed and comfortable anywhere in the back-row. He has X-factor, too; and it is this attribute that will help the swashbuckling youngster to go far in the world of rugby.
Standing at 1.88m tall and tipping the scales at 90kg, it’s no surprise that the 21-year-old reminds many a rugby fan of Joost van der Westhuizen. Jansen van Vuren is destined for big things in international rugby. He’s impressed massively in the Currie Cup; his swift pass and strong running being the hallmarks of his game.
De Bruin will rest easy over December knowing he has more than enough back up at flyhalf ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season. Davids was a star for the junior teams, without getting much of a look-in at senior level, but he’s shown over the last few months he’s ready to step up if called upon next season. Like Jantjies, Davids enjoys attacking the gain-line and varies his game superbly.
He was one of the finds of the Varsity Cup this year, playing a starring role at centre for his team and was rewarded with a call-up to the Dream Team that faced the Junior Boks. The 22-year-old has been a real standout performer for the Lions on the wing, showcasing his skills, speed, eye for the gap and nose for the tryline, and he’ll certainly add depth and quality to the Lions back division next season. The bonus is that Dyantyi can play at centre and wing, which allows De Bruin to use him where he wants. Also, the try machine has real X-factor making him a player who can hardly be ignored.